The University of Otago has exchange agreements with over 100 institutions around the world. Students pay standard tuition fees to Otago.
Information for Otago students applying to study overseas
The Otago Global Student Exchange programme allows students to study at an international partner institution and credit the study they complete back to their University of Otago qualification.
It is expected that you take a full course load while on exchange, as determined by the host institution and the University of Otago. Student Development and Exchange Advisers can provide guidance on planning your papers and completing your Learning Agreement for your exchange.
When planning your exchange, you should complete core papers at Otago and, where possible, leave elective papers to take on exchange. Papers not offered at Otago may still be credited back to your Otago degree, subject to approval. If you have only one paper remaining to complete your degree, this may be taken on exchange; however, dissertations and theses cannot be completed as part of an exchange programme.
Finances
While on exchange, you are responsible for covering:
- Living costs (accommodation, food, and daily expenses)
- Flights
- Insurance
- Visa costs (if applicable)
- Personal travel and holiday costs
There is financial support available to you:
- You continue to pay University of Otago tuition fees
- You will receive an Otago Global Scholarship (NZ$1,000 in 2026)
- You continue to receive StudyLink Loans and Allowances
- You may apply for Otago scholarships and awards, as well as region- or country-specific exchange funding
Tuition is charged at a set rate regardless of how many points you credit back. You will be charged 0.5 EFTS of your standard Otago tuition fee for each semester you are on exchange. There is no fee to apply for or withdraw from the Otago Global Student Exchange Programme.
Living costs vary by destination; refer to individual exchange partner fact sheets for estimates.
Graduate-level exchange
Graduate-level exchange may be possible for some programmes, but availability varies by department. Exchange is limited to coursework options only, and students must meet the host institution’s full-time workload requirements and receive a transcript at the end of the exchange.
Students should first seek approval from their Otago department, then consult an Exchange Adviser regarding available destinations. Fewer destinations are available at graduate level, and the process is more complex than undergraduate exchange. Where possible, exchange during undergraduate study is recommended.
Advice and Guidance
To learn more about the programme:
- Attend an Otago Global Exchange information session (excluding mid-term, mid-year, and end of year breaks)
- Visit Exchange information for Otago students for a wide range of information, including application dates, academic planning, and financial assistance available to Otago students going on exchange
- Visit the Otago Global Exchange Partners page for information about Otago's Exchange Partner Institutions
- Contact an Exchange Adviser for the Exchange Hub times/venue, or to book an individual appointment time
- Email: exchange@otago.ac.nz
Information for students wanting to come to Otago on exchange
Visit the Otago Global Exchange Partners page for information about Otago's Exchange Partner Institutions.
As exchange students are nominated by their home university, your exchange journey should start at the exchange office of your home university.
If you study at one of the University's approved exchange partners, you can apply to study at the University of Otago as part of the Student Exchange Programme. You pay tuition fees to your home university and your study is credited towards your home university degree.
Visit the Information for exchange students coming to the University of Otago page for more information.